Craft Tool Review: “Crafts On Wheels” Luggage by Tutto

May 9, 2012

So, this is how my life works. I was wandering aroundÂ CHA Winter with my wobbly travel suitcase, using it to stow materials and hold my notes as I was making my way around the show floor. I have back issues, so a messenger bag/backpack just doesn’t work for me. As I paused in an aisle to get something out- and as I unzipped it, the contents tumbled onto the show floor! A lovely woman called to me from her booth, which was selling travel luggage for crafts- to show me a better way. An hour later, I was rolling around with a “Crafts On Wheels” large suitcase from Tutto.com!

Tutto Crafts On Wheels Luggage

Wait til you see this luggage- so many nooks and crannies and pouches and dividers to keep your scrapbooking/crafting goodies organized!

Let’s look at the middle, larger section first. It’s got a top flap with a handle and two zippers- so one pull will open up the large compartment. Here’s how it looks open:

Top compartment

It comes with velcro dividers, so you can split it up lenght-wise or width-wise.

Dividers

Dividers inserted. The velcro makes it easy to reconfigure quickly!

Now lets look at the side pockets. On one side there are removable pockets and zippered mesh pockets. The flap, when open, reveals elastic straps pockets.

Side Pocket- Detachable pockets, dividers galore!

Velcro makes removing the pockets easy- you can use them on your table, then pop them back into the luggage.

The front pocket is secured with velcro, too.

Front Pocket

The other compartment has fewer dividers, and is great for albums, large papers, file folders, etc:

One expandable pocket plus divided storage on the flap!

One of the best features of this luggage is that it folds down. This is super-handy if you are traveling to conventions or crops, like I do. You can fold it down, place it in your big suitcase, and then use it throughout the show. When it’s full, you can check it as an extra piece of luggage (for the large size) OR use it as a carry-on for the medium size.

And it’s strong enough to sit on (up to 150 pounds) if you need to take a load off!

Here’s a detail the folding-down process:

First, remove the handles and dividers. Store it in one of the side pockets along with your included bungee cord.

Next reach in the center section and lift up the two bottom panel flaps that make up the “floor” of the tote.

Depress the buttons on the frame and they will fold in, collapsing the frame.

Now, SQUISH! (Please, make sure everything is out of the case! : )

I got it down to 5.5 inches....

While the online info says it will collapse to 3″ of space, the truth is that it’s more like 5 1/2 inches- but that’s including the dividers and handle and strap in the front pocket. You could get it smaller if you didn’t include those. But you need them, so I do.

I pulled this tote all over the convention, and then checked it as my second piece of luggage on the way home. The wheels made it super easy and smooth to pull, even on carpet. And the load off of my back was amazing! Since it’s stable on FOUR wheels- not just two, like with a wheelie cart- it was very comfortable to pull. And the wheels also pivot, so it’s more maneuverable than you’d guess.

After pulling it off of the carousel at the airport, I didn’t see any knicks to the canvas. It seems really durable, and I have no qualms about using it as a checked piece of luggage. However, I DO want the medium size Crafts On Wheels to use a carry on, too. It’s perfect for smaller trips/crops.

The Medium Crafts on Wheels retails on the site for $160, but currently it’s on sale for $144.00 and is available in 4 colors. The Large Crafts on Wheels retails for $180 USD, but is on sale for $162.00. It would make a great birthday, holiday, or Mother’s Day gift for an avid crafter.

PS- there are many other versions of pulled bags on the site-including ones for pets, sewing machines, and portable offices. You should take a look!

Comments

I had used one of he tutto carts for lugging arounding my teaching supplies and papers, then when I retired I emptied it out and Suprize a craft cart. It has been great,especially when going to conventions, or going crafting to someones house or even for lessons. I just really like mine.

I’ve had a large Tutto suitcase and the carry-on size Tutto for ten years (where does the time go?). One or the other or both have flown all over the US and Canada with me, an average of 30 trips a year (which probably means 120 flights).

Mine are still in good condition, with minimal nicks, scrapes, etc. I love that both pieces of luggage have somewhere around a zillion pockets, plus the garment hanger zip-down side.

When I got them, I was afraid the little wheels sticking out would be ripped off during baggage handling if I checked the bags through but it hasn’t happened yet.

After discovering the Tutto line, I can’t understand why people put up with that awful two wheel luggage. The difference in ease of transportation is just amazing. I couldn’t have done all my business travelling without them.

For some reason, it never occurred to me that I could use my Tutto for craft things. Now that I’m retired, I know my Tuttos are coming out of retirement.

Hi! Actually YES, I do. We’ve moved twice in this past year and it made the cut both times. I use it for conferencing, mostly- it fits in my suitcase and is perfect for shows where I am buying or accumulating materials along the way.

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Hi! I’m Jenny, the co-host of Hands On Crafts for Kids on PBS and the Head Dummy behind CraftTestDummies.com where you’ll find craft product reviews, tutorials, and craft industry news.

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Jenny Barnett Rohrs is Head Dummy and Pied Piper behind CTD, which focuses on reviews, tutorials, and craft industry news. Jenny has appeared on HSN, Scrapbook Soup PBS series, and is currently the co-host of Hands On Crafts for Kids on PBS.

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